Tech editing vs test knitting

What exactly is the difference and do you really need both?

A TECH EDITORS JOB

A tech editors job is to read through the whole pattern and look for inconsistencies and errors in your math, style, phrasing, instructions, etc. They look at all the stitch and row counts and repeats to make sure they work, they verify the charts match written instructions. They look at all the technical details that make your pattern a successful pattern.

A TEST KNITTERS JOB

Test knitters have one job, and that is to actually follow and knit the pattern. They follow your pattern step by step and make sure the instructions make sense and that the pattern creates the correct finished item at the correct sizes.

TEST KNITTERS ARE NOT TECH EDITORS

It is not a test knitters job to do a tech editors work, and vice versa. It's highly likely that you are not paying your test knitters, so they shouldn't be required to do much more than knit the pattern. Test knitters should be given a complete, publish-ready pattern to follow that is not riddled with mistakes and confusing instructions.

DO YOU REALLY NEED BOTH?

The answer is, yes! Both have their own pros and cons on their own, but together they help develop the best pattern you possibly can. It's worth it to invest in both tech editors and test knitters to publish a successful pattern that knitters with love. Don't cut corners and don't take short-cuts, as that leads to poor pattern quality.